About the Hip

Hip Replacement Fact

The most common form of arthritis — osteoarthritis — is a wear and tear condition that destroys joint cartilage, due to years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. Cartilage cannot be replaced once it is destroyed.

Hip Replacement Overview

Joint deterioration can affect every aspect of a person's life. In its early stages it is common for people to ignore the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but as the disease progresses, activities like walking, driving, and standing become challenging, painful, and very difficult.

Hip replacement surgery removes the arthritic ball of the upper femur (thighbone) as well as the damaged cartilage from the hip socket. The ball is replaced by a metal or ceramic ball that is solidly fixed to a stem inserted into the femur. The socket is replaced with a metal cup, which is fixed to the acetabulum, or socket.

The implants are designed to create a new, smoothly functioning joint that prevents painful bone-on-bone contact.

Patient Education information provided by Biomet, Inc. - Advanced Science for Real Living™